An investigation conducted by the World Society for the Protections of Animals (WSPA) has revealed disturbing evidence of animal cruelty and massive conservation and financial failures at the Cayman Turtle Farm.

Despite marketing itself as a conservation-focused tourist attraction, the Cayman Turtle Farm is the world's last remaining facility to commercially raise sea turtles for slaughter and consumption.

Some 7000 endangered sea turtles have been effectively immobilised and stockpiled in filthy, tiny tanks. The animals become extremely stressed due to overcrowding and in-breeding causes their young to be born with severe deformities.

In support of WSPA's campaign I have signed EDM 611, which reads:

"That this House notes with concern the need to work in international partnership to reduce wildlife crime with long-term stable funding in the UK; respects the evidence given by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) at the hearings of the Environmental Audit Committee; and calls for action following the WSPA report on serious welfare concerns about the Cayman Turtle Farm in the British Overseas territory."

The Cayman Turtle Farm has received broad political condemnation and MPs from across the spectrum have added their signatures to the EDM.

WSPA met with Cayman government officials and the farm's owners in July to present its findings and discuss possible solutions. Although the organisation does not want the facility to close, it does want to see the public handling of turtles immediately ended and the commercial farming of the endangered animals phased out. So far the farm has refused to cooperate.